Hariyali Teej Festival 2026: A Celebration of Love, Devotion, and Monsoon Beauty
Hariyali Teej is a vibrant and spiritually significant Hindu festival celebrated by women across North India, especially in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Dedicated to the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, this festival falls during the monsoon season in the Shukla Paksha Tritiya (third day) of the Shravan month, usually in July or August.
The term “Hariyali” means greenery, and “Teej” refers to the third lunar day. Together, Hariyali Teej celebrates the rejuvenation of nature during the rainy season and the eternal love of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is especially popular among married women, who observe fasting and perform rituals to ensure marital bliss, the longevity of their husbands, and familial prosperity.
Significance of Hariyali Teej
The spiritual and emotional significance of Hariyali Teej lies in its celebration of the devotion of Goddess Parvati, who underwent severe penance to win the love and companionship of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, after 108 lifetimes of dedication and rebirth, Parvati was finally united with Shiva, symbolizing the triumph of love, faith, and perseverance.
For married women, this festival is a way to express gratitude and devotion toward their husbands. For unmarried girls, it is an opportunity to pray for a good life partner. Moreover, Hariyali Teej brings together cultural joy, social bonding, and the natural beauty of the monsoon season.
When is Hariyali Teej Celebrated?
Hariyali Teej is celebrated on the Tritiya (third day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar.
Hariyali Teej 2026 Date:
Date: Saturday, Aug 15, 2026
Tritiya Tithi Begins: Aug 14, 2026 – 06:46 PM
Tritiya Tithi Ends: Aug 15, 2026 – 05:28 PM
The dates may vary based on local customs and lunar timings. Devotees should consult a local Panchang (Hindu calendar) for precise timings.
Rituals and Traditions of Hariyali Teej
Hariyali Teej is rich in customs, and each ritual is rooted in symbolism and devotion. Women, especially newlyweds, celebrate this day with great enthusiasm.
1. Fasting (Vrat)
Women observe a strict fast on Hariyali Teej, often going without water (nirjala vrat). This fast symbolizes loyalty, love, and the desire for marital happiness and the well-being of their spouses.
2. Swing Rituals (Jhula Ceremony)
One of the most joyful aspects of Hariyali Teej is the custom of decorating and swinging on beautifully adorned swings tied to trees. Women sing Teej folk songs and enjoy the monsoon with traditional festivities.
3. Applying Mehendi (Henna)
Applying mehendi is a significant part of the Teej celebration. Women apply intricate henna designs on their hands and feet as a symbol of love, beauty, and auspiciousness. A dark mehendi stain is considered a sign of deep affection from one’s husband.
4. Wearing Green Attire and Solah Shringar
Green represents life, fertility, and prosperity. Women dress in vibrant green sarees or salwar kameez and adorn themselves with Solah Shringar (16 traditional bridal adornments), which includes bangles, bindis, nose rings, and more.
5. Teej Puja Vidhi
Women perform special prayers dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The idol of Parvati, often made of clay, is decorated and worshipped with haldi, kumkum, flowers, sweets, fruits, and traditional items. The vrat katha (fasting story) of Teej is recited, and an aarti is performed with devotion.
6. Teej Songs and Dance
Folk music and dance add color to the celebration. Women gather in groups, sing traditional Teej songs, and dance to express joy and devotion.
Mythological Story Behind Hariyali Teej
According to Hindu scriptures, Parvati was born as the daughter of Himavan, the King of Mountains. From a young age, she was determined to marry Lord Shiva. Despite several challenges, she practiced intense penance and devotion, eventually pleasing Lord Shiva.
Moved by her unwavering love and faith, Shiva accepted Parvati as his wife. Their divine union is celebrated on Hariyali Teej. The vrat performed by women is believed to replicate the dedication Parvati showed, thereby earning blessings for marital happiness.
Regional Celebrations of Hariyali Teej
Rajasthan:
The celebration is grand in Rajasthan. In Jaipur, the Teej Mata idol is paraded through the streets in a magnificent procession. Decorated elephants, horses, dancers, and musicians accompany the procession, which attracts thousands of tourists and devotees.
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar:
Here, women gather in temples or public gardens to perform the rituals and celebrate together. Local folk traditions, songs, and dances dominate the festive mood.
Madhya Pradesh:
In cities like Bhopal and Indore, cultural programs are organized to mark the day. Women participate enthusiastically, dressed in green, celebrating Teej with swings, mehendi, and pujas.
Delhi and Punjab:
In Delhi, Teej fairs and melas are organized. In Punjab, while Teej is less common, similar festivals like Teeyan are observed with swings and dancing.
Benefits and Spiritual Importance of Hariyali Teej
Observing Hariyali Teej offers both spiritual and emotional benefits:
Strengthens the bond between husband and wife
Brings peace, prosperity, and harmony in married life
Encourages women to express their devotion and self-discipline
Fosters community bonding and shared cultural values
Invokes blessings from Goddess Parvati for familial well-being
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can unmarried girls observe Hariyali Teej?
Yes, many unmarried girls observe the Teej fast to seek blessings for a suitable life partner, just as Goddess Parvati did.
2. Is the fast compulsory for all married women?
While not compulsory, it is widely observed as a symbol of devotion and love. Some women may choose to perform only the puja without fasting.
3. Can the fast be broken early due to health issues?
Yes. While a nirjala fast is traditional, health conditions must be considered. Women can opt for a simple phalahar fast (fruits and milk) if needed.
4. Why is green the main color of Teej?
Green symbolizes nature, fertility, and prosperity. It also reflects the monsoon season and the idea of renewal.
5. What is the significance of swings on Teej?
Swings represent joy and the playful aspect of the festival. They also offer a connection to nature, especially in rural and semi-urban regions.
6. Are there different types of Teej festivals?
Yes. There are three main Teej festivals:
Hariyali Teej (Shravan Shukla Tritiya)
Kajari Teej (Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada)
Hartalika Teej (Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya)
Delicious Foods Prepared on Hariyali Teej
While many women fast throughout the day, delicious traditional dishes are prepared after the puja. Some popular foods include:
Ghewar – A Rajasthani delicacy soaked in sugar syrup
Kheer – Sweet rice pudding
Puris and Aloo Sabzi – Offered as bhog
Malpua – A sweet pancake served hot
Pakoras – Made from besan and seasonal vegetables
These foods are distributed as prasad and enjoyed with family members after breaking the fast.
How to Celebrate Hariyali Teej at Home
If you wish to celebrate Hariyali Teej at home, here are some simple steps:
Clean the house and decorate the puja area with green fabrics and flowers.
Set up the idol or image of Goddess Parvati.
Offer haldi, kumkum, mehendi, fruits, and sweets.
Listen to or read the Teej Vrat Katha.
Sing bhajans and perform aarti.
Apply mehendi and enjoy swings if available.
Break the fast in the evening with devotion.
Final Thoughts
Hariyali Teej is a festival that blends spirituality, culture, devotion, and natural beauty. Through its rituals and celebrations, it fosters love, patience, and prosperity in marital life. For women, it is not just about fasting but about connecting deeply with the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Parvati.
As monsoon showers rejuvenate the earth, Hariyali Teej rejuvenates the soul. Whether celebrated traditionally or with modern flair, its essence remains rooted in devotion, family, and hope.